Wiktionary
n. (context ecology English) genetic variation that manifests within a species.
Wikipedia
Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. It is distinguished from genetic variability, which describes the tendency of genetic characteristics to vary.
Genetic diversity serves as a way for populations to adapt to changing environments. With more variation, it is more likely that some individuals in a population will possess variations of alleles that are suited for the environment. Those individuals are more likely to survive to produce offspring bearing that allele. The population will continue for more generations because of the success of these individuals.
The academic field of population genetics includes several hypotheses and theories regarding genetic diversity. The neutral theory of evolution proposes that diversity is the result of the accumulation of neutral substitutions. Diversifying selection is the hypothesis that two subpopulations of a species live in different environments that select for different alleles at a particular locus. This may occur, for instance, if a species has a large range relative to the mobility of individuals within it. Frequency-dependent selection is the hypothesis that as alleles become more common, they become more vulnerable. This occurs in host–pathogen interactions, where a high frequency of a defensive allele among the host means that it is more likely that a pathogen will spread if it is able to overcome that allele.
Usage examples of "genetic diversity".
Just as genetic diversity favors the survival of species, educational diversity increases the odds for the survival of societies.
Since no genetic diversity is found within the clone, no adaptation to new stresses can occur through recombination of genes as in a sexually propagated population.
That means that all modern humans arose from a very small population base, which would explain our lack of genetic diversity.
It is now well known that our very survival depends upon maintaining complex ecological networks and genetic diversity.
And besides, it's good for this `genetic diversity' that Nebogipfel lectures us about.
And besides, it's good for this 'genetic diversity' that Nebogipfel lectures us about.
That's where the genetic diversity of New Earth is going to come from, not from us.
Also, partner swapping would be a useful way of increasing the potential genetic diversity in an isolated population, preventing inbreeding and ensuring that the Native Hawaiian genome would remain healthy.
They would be allowing far more people than necessary to live-oh, sure, they needed the genetic diversity, and why not pick smart people who'd eventually understand why the Project had done what it had?
Heterozygosity and genetic diversity seems to breed better resistance.